Reading FC summer signing Harvey Knibbs believes that his versatility will be an asset to the team this season.
The Royals are preparing for life in League One for the first time in more than two decades after falling out of the Championship.
After a turbulent few months at the club, things have started to progress with the appointment of Ruben Selles and the signings of Knibbs and Sam Smith.
Knibbs, who has played four seasons at Cambridge United in League One, described his assets as a player.
He said: “As a player I’d say I’m someone that gives my all on the pitch. I’m a versatile player, at Cambridge we played a 4-2-3-1 system and I played in any of the positions behind the striker.
“Previously I’ve played up front as well so I can adapt to any role that the manager wants to give me.
“I wanted to be one of the first ones through the door once the gaffer laid out the project. It’s good we can bring players of the calibre of Sam (Smith) in and hopefully it will continue.
“I had a mixed development period at Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest so I owe a lot to them and then all of my senior football has been at Cambridge.
“We’re here to play football and we’ve been assured that’s been taken care of (financial issues). Hopefully it’s plain sailing going forward.
“I had many conversations with lots of people at the club, Mark Bowen, Brian Carey and Jared (Dublin) as well.
“There’s no point being in a league if you’re not going to challenge for it so promotion will be the goal and that’s the motivation and mentality that we will need.”
The midfielder has been impressed with new boss Selles and is eager to learn from the Spaniard
He continued: “Ruben (Selles) has been very good. It’s a different coaching philosophy to what I’m used to but I really like it.
“I’m at the stage in my career now where I need that hands on development.
“He’s a good tactician and has a system that he knows works with a lot of patterns that we need to learn over the next few weeks.
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know and will keep trying to pick his brain.
“Being a player who excels in a counter press I feel like his system can play towards my strengths so it’s about learning what he wants from me.
“The shape the manager wants to play and the style of play aligns with my playing style.
“It’s the place that will make you a better player if you buy into the right things. Knowing the type of players they should get through the door and the team we’re going to build, it’s an exciting project.”
